3 Surprising Signs You're Not Getting Enough Sleep

Did you remember to set your clock back this month? The end of daylight saving time shines a spotlight on our daily routines. It’s a good opportunity to evaluate how well you’re sleeping—or not sleeping.

Feeling like you need a nap an hour after downing a venti latte is a pretty clear clue that you’re not getting enough sleep. However, there are some more subtle signs that you’re lacking z’s. Here are three to watch for:

You’re hungrier than usual. Skimping on sleep increases levels of a hunger-related hormone and decreases levels of a hormone that helps control how much you consume. What’s more, a lack of sleep also causes you to crave higher-calorie foods.

You feel down. Just a few nights of insufficient sleep can take a toll on your mood. You may feel irritable or even sad. Over time, sleeplessness can raise your risk for depression.

You keep getting sick. Sleeping just five or six hours per night significantly increases your chances of coming down with a cold compared with sleeping seven or more hours per night, research shows. Too little time in bed chips away at important immune cells that help fend off illnesses.

Sleep-deprived? Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every single day. This helps adjust your body’s clock so you fall asleep more easily and stay asleep all night long.

Get Back to BedIf you’re struggling to get the sleep you need, let us help. Find out more about WCHN Sleep Disorder Centers.